Sen. Eric Pratt | Facebook
Sen. Eric Pratt | Facebook
Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) tallied GOP wins and losses after what could be the last legislative session in 2020.
In a press release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, Pratt said the session was different, but still got things done for the state.
During the session, an "initial public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic" was passed, which ensures front line workers have access to workers' compensation, according to the press release.
"We also passed bipartisan bills to enhance election security and establish an insulin assistance program,” Pratt said in the release. “However, I am disappointed we adjourned without passing a capital investment bill, tax relief for small businesses and farmers impacted by COVID-19 or a bill for housing infrastructure. I am also disappointed we were not able to reach an agreement with the governor to get people back to work in a safe manner.”
Throughout the pandemic, several legislations were passed to help respond and fight the coronavirus, the press release said. But several bills failed to be enacted into law.
A $1.5 billion public infrastructure and jobs proposed legislation didn't receive the votes needed to pass, according to the press release. This bill would have given funds to Highway 12/Dakota Avenue, the Scott County Household Hazardous Waste facility and flood mitigation.
Another bill for small business tax relief failed to pass, the press release states.
A bill authored by Pratt was stalled in the House of Representatives, according to the release. This legislation would have been a grant program for small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s really disappointing we were not able to find an agreement on this legislation, which would have put cash in the hands of the small businesses on the brink of disaster. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support by a vote of 59-7. This was bipartisan right down the middle, but the House and Gov. Walz were not interested in supporting it,” Pratt said in the press release.
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